[Laparoscopic hepatectomy: is it a reality?]

Despite the advances during the last years, liver resection remains as one of the last frontiers in laparoscopic surgery. Published data include case reports and evaluations of small series of patients and are seen with skepticism by many surgeons. Laparoscopic liver resection is a long and hazardous and long procedure and experience in liver and laparoscopic surgery and an adequate equipment are needed. A critical analysis of the indications, technical aspects and the method was performed.

We can conclude that laparoscopic liver resection is safe, feasible and can be considered as an excellent choice for selected cases. There is no doubt that video-laparoscopic liver resection is a reality and should be part of liver surgeon's therapeutic armamentarium.